University of Denver Digital Commons @ DU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 1-1-2010 Closer to the Heart: An Exploration of Caring and Creative Visual Arts Classrooms Juli B. Kramer University of Denver Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd Part of the Art Education Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, and the Secondary Education Commons Recommended Citation Kramer, Juli B., "Closer to the Heart: An Exploration of Caring and Creative Visual Arts Classrooms" (2010). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 852. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/852 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at Digital Commons @ DU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ DU. For more information, please contact
[email protected],
[email protected]. CLOSER TO THE HEART: AN EXPLORATION OF CARING AND CREATIVE VISUAL ARTS CLASSROOMS __________ A Dissertation Presented to the Morgridge College of Education University of Denver __________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy __________ by Juli B. Kramer June 2010 Advisor: P. Bruce Uhrmacher, Ph.D. ©Copyright by Juli B. Kramer 2010 All Rights Reserved Author: Juli B. Kramer Title: CLOSER TO THE HEART: AN EXPLORATION OF CARING AND CREATIVE VISUAL ARTS CLASSROOMS Advisor: P. Bruce Uhrmacher, Ph.D. Degree Date: June 2010 Abstract This study demonstrates how caring and creative secondary level visual arts classes facilitate the development of learning environments that enliven and expect the best of students; help them develop as autonomous and creative learners; provide them opportunities to care for others and the world around them; and keep them connected to their schools and education.